C
Cindy 
Scout
ScoutRvino - Timberline, LLC
Good North Country Camping
Sites are large enough, clean campground, staff polite, facilities were very clean. Camp store closes very early. We would return.
Camping near Cedar, MI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping areas surrounding Cedar, Michigan provide access to multiple bodies of water, including Lake Michigan and smaller inland lakes. The region includes several established campgrounds like Leelanau Pines Campground directly on Lake Leelanau, with 182 sites supporting both tent and RV camping. Lake Leelanau RV Park offers cement pads and full hookup sites for motorhomes, while Rustic Retreat provides a cabin experience for those seeking more shelter. These campgrounds are typically situated within 15-20 minutes of popular destinations such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the wine country of Leelanau Peninsula.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. Lake Leelanau RV Park operates from May 1 to October 31, while Leelanau Pines Campground runs from May 1 to October 15. Winter camping options are limited, and reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. The campgrounds near Cedar provide varying levels of amenities - from rustic state forest sites with vault toilets and water pumps to private campgrounds with full hookups, shower facilities, and boat launches. Many campsites offer electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. A camper noted, "We stayed at this campground for 4 nights in early September. This is a great location based around Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes areas."
Water access represents a primary attraction for campers visiting the Cedar area. Campers report high satisfaction with sites that provide direct lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Lake Leelanau campgrounds frequently receive praise for their waterfront locations and boat rental options. Several visitors mentioned proximity to local attractions as a significant benefit, with easy access to wineries, small lakeside towns, and natural landmarks. While some campsites are spacious and private, others are described as relatively close together, especially at popular lakefront properties. A review described Lake Leelanau RV Park as "right on Lake Leelanau, and they even rent boat slips. There is a tiny beach, fun for an afternoon dip with the kids." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area accommodate various camping styles while maintaining clean facilities and friendly service.
Best Campgrounds near Cedar (178)
1. D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
"Pretty close to your neighbors, but our site still had some good tree cover. Easy walk to Lake Michigan through the campground. Vaulted toilets, community water and trash."
"Quiet campground with sites quite close to one another. This campground butts up to the heritage trail, which is 20 miles of hiking, biking, walking, or skiing fun."
from $20 / night
Check Availability2. Traverse City State Park Campground
"Located on busy US-31, but with pedestrian bridge over 4 lanes to beach. TART (Traverse Area Recreation Trail) access from campground. Easy biking to Traverse City or Acme."
"Bathrooms were clean, sites were average size for Michigan state parks. Close to the bike trail, though a little noisy from the nearby airport and roads."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability3. Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
"One of my Favorite places in Michigan to camp. Out of the way without being out of the way. The walk in sites are a very short walk and well away from the other sites."
"Lots of campsites 30 to 50 feet away from the roadway offering appropriate privacy. Woods and bushes separating campsites. Shower houses in excellent condition and clean. Pads for tents in place."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability4. Indigo Bluffs RV Park
"It has a fire pit, nearby bathrooms, WiFi, and was in short driving distance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City."
"This is one of my favorite campgrounds and it’s located in our favorite vacation destination!"
5. Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park
"Every year I camp on the Green Lake side of Interlochen State Park, and this year was the first year I allowed a guest - my fiance."
"Not super close to Michigan cities, but can drive back and forth to Traverse City."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability6. Leelanau Pines Campground
"Plenty of beautiful views of the lake! You’re tucked away from the main road but also close enough to enjoy nearby Sutton’s Bay ( which is worth a visit)"
"The campground was very shady and situated right on the lake. We stayed in Site #50 and could carry our kayaks across a small grassy field to put in at the edge of the lake."
from $103 - $130 / night
Check Availability7. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
"We stayed here in our little offroad teardrop camper which looked like David & Goliath when contrasted against the massive 5th wheels surrounding us."
"There is a pool, jump pad, miles and miles of mountain biking trails and hiking trails, a man made lake which has some inflatable water toys."
from $60 - $260 / night
Check Availability8. Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
"We stayed at this campground while doing the Michigan Shore to Shore Trail by horseback, therefore we were in the "horse" portion of the campground."
"Off the beaten path but has great rustic campsites with firepits and there are restrooms and fresh water close by in each circle we will be back"
9. Lake Leelanau RV Park
"It's right on Lake Leelanau, and they even rent boat slips. There is a tiny beach, fun for an afternoon dip with the kids."
"It is beautiful, peaceful campground on Lake Leelanau which is located on the Leelanau peninsula in between West Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan in close proximity to the little town of Lake Leelanau, Suttons"
from $36 - $109 / night
Check Availability10. Rustic Retreat
"I let Jamie know and without asking or expecting, she refunded me and wished me luck with our situation. The cabin was cute and cozy, I slept like a baby, definitely going to come here again."
"Easy to get to, you can drive right up to the cabin and load in. But also, you're straight up in the middle of the woods. One of my favorite places to stay for sure!"
from $55 - $75 / night
Drive Time
- 17 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 18 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 25 min from Muskegon, MI
- 4 hrs 52 min from Green Bay, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Cedar, MI
364 Photos of 178 Cedar Campgrounds
Kylie B.
Leelanau Pines Campground
Bryan C.
Nature
Aaron C.
Lake Leelanau RV Park
Jim L.
Lively Acres Campground
Judy B.
Garey Lake State Forest Campground
Jade M.
Lime Lake
The Dyrt
Indigo Bluffs RV Park
CampgroundKaren ..
Empire Township Campground
Erin O.
Power Island County Park Primitive Campsites
Thomas H.
Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp
Justin C.
Lake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
Amanda L.
D.H. Day Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Recent Reviews near Cedar, MI
862 Reviews of 178 Cedar Campgrounds
Robert M.
TravelerWhitewater Township Park Campground
White Water Township Park, West Michigan
The park has 53 campsites I was satisfied with site size and separation from other sites. Camped on a Ridge View site. Site had picnic table and firepit.
I normally don't use electric hook-up, but all sites had them. There are scenic paths down to Elk Lake. The bathhouse has showers and restrooms. All were clean and showers had ample hot water. Some people have complained about only one bathhouse. Normally camping in rustic or dispersed areas I had no problem with that. I thought $45. was expensive for a township park but I guess it was in line with other parks' sites having electric hook-ups. As I said I normally do rustic or in dispersed camping. There are no water hook ups but there is a water fill station next to bathhouse. and 2 others near office. The campground has a dump station. It also has a boat launch with a large parking area in the lower park area. The campground was well kept.
The Township Park is only 10 miles, or 15 minutes west of Elk River where the Paddle Antrim group have a recently completed a beautiful Kayak/Paddle board launch site which is part of the "Chain of Lakes Waterway," at Rotary Park. It has wonderful water access with a handicap or "Easi-launch". There are also restrooms and a boat-wash and a posted map.
I was there for a celebration of that completion.
The only other campground close is expensive, (I believe the cheapest site was $75 per night), and packed tightly.
- AAngie S.
GuideNorthern Exposure Campground & RV Park
Beautiful views, but don’t expect quite
The day we pulled in it had been raining. The views were gorgeous! Our campsite sat on the water. I just overlooked that there wasn’t any sewage hook ups. But that’s fine. A few hours later when the sun came out so did all of the kids! The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there. Apparently some other families that were Camping rented the space next to us and we’re using that as their private beach area. As a couple with grown children and no little ones, you always have to remind yourself that we encountered those days as well! Crying, screaming, laughing, more crying. But also as parents, we were aware of our surroundings and tried to keep our kids contained. Most of the people camping here are locals, and it seemed that this was the case as well. The majority of the time the kids were down here with no parental supervision or the supervision of a 13-year-old babysitter. This park has great amenities. Bathrooms are clean and nice and well kept. Lots of trails. And lots and lots of dogs. That was another strike. We have a dog as well. I don’t mind dogs. But the rules explain dogs must be on a leash. Our first day a woman brought her black lab in front of her sight and proceeded to throw the frisbee into the water for her dog with no leash. Our dog is still quite a puppy and a lot of energy and we’re still working on some training. But there is a beach area but it also says no pets allowed. I think she was just looking for a place to let her dog run and play in the water, but in front of ours was not the place to do it! The spaces are very close together and not much room for privacy. Lots are pretty sandy where we were(48) and appeared so starting from lot 47 - 56 or so. I would avoid these unless you prefer sand in everything! All in all, it was a good trip like I said the views are beautiful the trails were very well maintained as well as the restrooms and the store. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, maybe come when kids are back in school?
Austin R.ScoutHoncho Rest Campground
My Family of Seven loved it
I have a Skokie conversion 44ft. The area was easy to back in to, bathrooms were clean and nice, well lit.
It’s a quiet campground for sure, but it’s nice and dark at night to see the stars and you can get good rest here.
Richard Z.ScoutNature
I believe this campground is closed, unfortunately.
We looked into this location but from the information we found, it's closed and was purchased for private use. Too bad, looks like it could have had some great potential.
Shayla C.TravelerPlatte River State Forest
Beautiful campground
Our site, and most sites, we're very shaded. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The rangers working were fantastic. In a great location to visit nearby sites!!!
Gerard E.
LegendLake Dubonnet State Forest Campground
July 2026
July 8, 2026, 82 degrees Make sure you goto michigan reservations as it’s confusing for first come first serve.
Site 22, 2 bars 5G on T-Mobile Flat Sandy grass, pit toilets. Trash dumpster on the way out. Good rustic camping, bugs were not bad, mostly flat and only a few campers during the week. Horse, bike and hiking trails right next to the CG. We saw a few loons near the boat launch.
- EEva Y.Traveler
Platte River Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Best Campground
This campground was absolutely breathtaking. The showers and bathrooms were so clean and easily accessible. 10/10 experience all around.
- Gerard E.Legend
Interlochen State Park
July 2026
July 3-7th, site 489, Easy check in and the water fill up was next to the dump station.
The dump station only has two drains and the cap is in the middle of the island to dump. The site was flat with trees, our 21’ fit well with our truck.
30amp, metal fire ring with old picnic table. Looks like water will puddle during rains.
Newer shower and bath facilities are amazing. The showers are separate and private from the shitters. The lots are Michigan sand and rock, very little gravel and grass, bring ant killer for the site.
Some sites are paved asphalt.
Firewood was$23 for 3 bundles Cash App or Venmo near the general store.
Water fill stations throughout the park but the spigot does not allow a house hookup. Fill up at the dump station. The south lot area was full and very crowded, narrow asphalt road with lots of trees, larger 5th wheel campers would be better on the north section.
There is a Pine Nature Trail that runs on the west side of the south area. About 2 miles but part of the trail has not been cleared from recent storms. A great place to bring your SUP and kayak. Peaceful lakes in the area.
Guide to Cedar
Rustic campgrounds near Cedar, Michigan position campers within the interior of Leelanau Peninsula, 20 miles northwest of Traverse City. The area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with sandy soil and mixed hardwood forests. Camping season typically runs mid-April through October, with July temperatures averaging 70-80°F during day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Beach access at multiple lakes: Cedar area campgrounds provide options for accessing both Lake Michigan and inland lakes. At D.H. Day Campground, visitors find "a short boardwalk to the beach. The amphitheater with kid focused programs was a great bonus," according to Jeffrey R. The beach access makes it popular even in shoulder seasons.
Kayaking local waterways: Paddle sports are particularly good on the protected inland lakes and rivers. Nikki M. from Platte River Campground says, "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking. We have our favorite site too!" The Platte River offers gentle currents suitable for beginners.
Hiking forest trails: The area contains numerous hiking paths through maple-beech forests. "There are a few spots that are more private, but you'll likely have to book in advance. Great access to walking trails and the beach," explains Emmy W. about the trail system at D.H. Day Campground. Most trails are moderate difficulty with minimal elevation changes.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The dark skies away from urban centers create excellent stargazing conditions. Doug P. from D.H. Day Campground reports, "We went to the beach to skywatch and it was beautiful and worth every second," despite camping in colder October temperatures. The Lake Michigan shoreline offers unobstructed horizon views.
Multi-day paddling: The interconnected waterways allow extended kayak trips. At Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, Kate K. notes, "it's great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation. There is a boat launch right near by, but most of the sites have their own path right down to the water." Many campers bring their own watercraft.
Off-season tranquility: Fall camping brings fewer crowds and seasonal color. "Went there in late October of 2022 and man was it a cold night to stay in a tent," shares Doug P., but adds that beach stargazing made it "worth every second." Late September through mid-October offers peak fall foliage viewing with temperatures typically in the 50-60°F range.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds book quickly during summer. Taylor D. from D.H. Day Campground advises, "I've been coming here for over a decade and I still love it. Quiet park, quiet beaches, beautiful views." Sites at waterfront campgrounds often require booking 6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Varying shower facilities: Bathroom amenities differ significantly between campgrounds. At Traverse City State Park Campground, Cassondra P. notes, "The bath houses on the end we like are very dated and are usually clean but still show their age! The other end had nicer newer shower/bath houses."
Wildlife considerations: Bears occasionally visit campgrounds in the region. Joyce B. from Platte River Campground shares, "Was told a black bear visits the campgrounds at least once a week, but is not much a nuisance as long as campers store their food in the car." Food storage in vehicles is required at most campgrounds.
Bug protection needed: Insects can be problematic, particularly in wooded sites. Katie D. warns about Platte River Campground: "Even after apply a ton of bug spray we felt like we were getting eaten alive on the trail." Ticks are most active May through July, while mosquitoes peak June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Some facilities offer organized recreation programs. Jeffrey R. appreciates D.H. Day Campground's "amphitheater with kid focused programs," which typically run weekends in summer with ranger-led presentations about local wildlife and ecology.
Space between sites: Family campers often prefer grounds with more privacy. Andrea B. from Platte River Campground says, "Most sites are very large, shaded, private and have level areas for tents or campers." She mentions the only drawback is limited playground facilities.
Water safety considerations: Beaches and waterways require appropriate supervision. At Indigo Bluffs RV Park, Josh N. reports, "Nice RV park with full hook up... Indigo has a nice atmosphere plenty of trees and a nice pool. Plenty of kids for my son to play with." Swimming areas at inland lakes typically have gradual entry points without strong currents.
School break planning: Campgrounds fill quickly during school holidays. Anne G. notes Platte River Campground "has great amenities without feeling like urban camping. The staff and park rangers are amazing. The sites in the three loops are nicely placed so that you have foliage and space between sites."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should check site descriptions before booking. At Lake Leelanau RV Park, Aaron C. appreciates the "Level Cement sites. Well mowed grass." He adds, "We could only reserve 3 nights in a row then move to a second site for the last night. When we checked in she said they had a different site for all 4 nights. It was great she remembered."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. Phil M. reports of Leelanau Pines Campground, "Each site had electric and water connections, each site also had a picnic table and fire pit." Most RV sites in the region offer 30-amp service, with limited 50-amp availability.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. Kimberly C. from Leelanau Pines Campground appreciates that "they had friendly staff that met us to check us in and guide us to our site," especially helpful for larger rigs navigating tree-lined roads.
Seasonal considerations: RV campgrounds have differing operating seasons. Jeff G. notes about Indigo Bluffs RV Park: "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing." Most RV parks in the region close by November 1 due to freezing temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to camp at Cedar Point State Park?
When is the best time to camp at Cedar Point State Park?
The ideal time to camp at Cedar Point State Park is from late spring through early fall (May to September), with peak conditions in summer. Like Fisherman's Island State Park Campground, early season campers might find the park less crowded but with some winter debris still present. For waterfront views similar to those at Barnes County Park Campground, book lake-facing sites in advance. Summer offers warmer swimming conditions and full park services, while September brings fewer crowds but cooler temperatures. The park typically closes for the winter season when temperatures drop.
What are the best RV campgrounds near Cedar Key, Florida?
What are the best RV campgrounds near Cedar Key, Florida?
Cedar Key offers several quality RV camping options. Lake Leelanau RV Park provides grassy sites with lake access, boat slip rentals, and a small beach that's perfect for families. While sites are somewhat compact, the park offers full hookups and attracts many seasonal campers. Another excellent option is Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, which accommodates big rigs and offers amenities like water hookups and toilets. When visiting Cedar Key, look for campgrounds that provide water views, fishing opportunities, and protection from coastal winds.
Where can I find camping in Cedar City, Utah?
Where can I find camping in Cedar City, Utah?
Cedar City, Utah offers diverse camping options to suit every preference. Thurston Park Campground provides waterfront sites with lake access for fishing and paddling, plus a nearby playground for children. For a more secluded experience, Young State Park Campground offers spacious sites with 30-amp electrical service and solid cell coverage. The park features well-maintained facilities and makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Most campgrounds near Cedar City are open from spring through fall, with summer being the peak season.
Is Cedar Breaks National Monument open for camping?
Is Cedar Breaks National Monument open for camping?
Yes, Cedar Breaks National Monument does allow camping in designated areas, though facilities are primitive. Similar to Bay Campground — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, expect basic amenities like vault toilets and fire pits without showers or running water (bring filtration equipment). Campsites typically feel secluded and provide excellent access to hiking trails with beautiful scenery. The monument's campgrounds are seasonal due to the high elevation (10,000+ feet), generally operating from late June through mid-September when the access road is clear of snow. Always check current conditions before planning your trip as weather can affect accessibility.
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